Given the fluid state of the organization at the moment, the Carolina Panthers could certainly benefit from some type of continuity. But it doesn’t look like they’ll be getting it from the middle of their defense.
According to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network, linebacker Jermaine Carter Jr. is currently being pursued by multiple teams out on the open market. Carter Jr. manned the Mike spot for Carolina this past season and, apparently, has gotten the attention of a few other front offices for his most recent body of work.
Carolina Panthers veteran free agent linebacker Jermaine Carter, a 17-game starter who recorded 88 tackles last season, is being pursued by multiple NFL teams #NFLFreeAgency @PFN365
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 22, 2022
The 6-foot-1, 225-pound backer turned heads last summer, earning the respect and trust of the coaches on down while undertaking a new leadership role on the unit. Heck, even franchise legend Steve Smith Sr. couldn’t help but notice Carter Jr.’s rise up the ranks as he headed into his fourth pro campaign.
That recognition resulted in Carter Jr. starting in each of Carolina’s 17 games in 2021. He went on to amass career-highs across the board—posting 88 combined tackles (three for a loss), a fumble recovery and three quarterback hits.
With the Panthers already having signed Damien Wilson and Cory Littleton, it’s probably safe to assume the team’s fifth-round pick from 2018 won’t be back in 2022. But, even after a relatively disappointing year, Carter Jr. is very likely and deserving of another opportunity elsewhere.
